Carton handling apparatus



A. C. SCHROEDER CARTON HANDLING APPARATUS Dec. 1, 1953 8 Sheets-Sheet lFiled June 24, 1948 INVENTOR. QRTHUR C. SCHROEDER BY Httarnays Dec. 1,1953 A. c. SCHROEDER 60 8 CARTON HANDLING APPARATUS 4 Filed June 24.1948 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 ARTHU C. ScHRoEmzR Qtorneys' Dec. 1, 1953 A. c.SCHROEDER CARTON HANDLING APPARATUS 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 24. 1948INVENTOR. HRTHUR C. ScHRoEoER Dec, 1, 1953 A. c. SCHROEDER CARTONHANDLING APPARATUS Filed June 24, 1948 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR.

Q THUR C SCHRQEDER BY W v'qj/am m QTTORNF-TS Dec. 1, 1953 A. c.SCHROEDER ,6 0 8 CARTON HANDLING APPARATUS Filed June 24, 1948 8Sheets-Sheet 5 Fue. 6 INVEN TOR.

I C. SCHROEDER BY W Dec. 1, 1953 A. c. SCHROEDER CARTON HANDLINGAPPARATUS 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 ME. u

Wm M

w m JU- C N. L v U m R QWA Filed June 24, 1948 Dec. 1, 1953 A. c.SCHROEDER ,660,8

CARTON HANDLING APPARATUS Filed June 24, 1948 r a Sheets-Sheet 7INVENTOR- 'QRTHUR C. SCHROEDER BY W 5 15 54,

Qikom Dec- 1953 A. c. SCHROEDER 0,

CARTON HANDLING APPARATUS Filed June 24. 1948 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 JNVENTOR.QRTHUR C. SCHROEDER attorney 5 Patented Dec. 1, 1953 UNITED STATESPATENT OFFICE 2,660,844 CARTON HANDLING APPARATUS Arthur C. Schroeder,Skaneateles, N. Y. Application June 24, 1948, Serial No. 35,017

17 Claims. 1

' This invention relates, in general, to apparatus for handling cartons,and more particularly the application of adhesive to the end flaps ofthe carton while in flat collapsed condition, automatically expendingthe carton to open form for filling, folding and sealing the end closureflaps after the carton has been filled. The apparatus is adapted tooperate on cartons of conventional form which are shipped in flat foldedcondition and provided with integral end flaps at opposite ends.

This invention has as an object a carton handling apparatus which isoperable automatically to advance fiat folded cartons successively to acarton filling station. During such advancement, certain selected onesof the bottom and top end flaps are coated with a suitable adhesive.

The apparatus further includes means operable automatically as thecartons reach the filling station to expand the cartons into tubularform and fold the bottom end flaps upwardly to form the bottom endclosure of the carton. During this folding operation, certain of the topend flaps are folded outwardly to permit'the contents to be convenientlyplaced in the carton while it is supported in expanded form at thefilling station. The filled carton is advanced from the filling stationto and past a sealing station from which it is discharged.

The invention has as a further object a particularly simple andeconomical structure for performing the above operations automatically,the apparatus being operated through a complete cycle by a singleactuation on the part of the operator.

The invention consists in the novel features and in the combinations andconstructions here- 'inafter set forth and claimed.

In describing this invention, reference is had to the accompanyingdrawings in which like characters designate corresponding parts in allthe views.

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the major portion of an apparatusembodying my invention.

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the remaining portion of theapparatus, Figure 2 constituting an extension to the right of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the structure shown in Figure 1, with thetop flap folding arms shown in open position.

Figure 4 is a top plan view of the structure shown in Figure 2.

Figure 5 is an end elevational view of the apparatus looking to theright, Figures 1 and 3.

- Figure 6 is a view taken on line 6-6, Figure 1.

Figure 7 is an elevational view of one of the glue applying devices.

Figure 8 is a view taken on line 8-8, Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a view taken on line 99, Figure 7.

Figure 10 is a side elevational view of one of the air valvescontrolling the gluing devices and the pivoted actuating element for thevalve, the valve being shown in the oif position.

Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 10, the valve being shown in theoff position, the sliding actuating element being illustrated on itsreturn stroke and in engagement with the pivoted actuating element.

Figure 12 is a view similar to Figures 10 and 11 with the slidingactuating element showing its advance stroke engaging the pivotedactuating element actuating the valve to its on position.

Figure 13 is a side elevational view of the mechanism for folding up thebottom flaps, the flap engaging members of which are shown positionedprior to the folding operation.

Figure 14 is a top plan view of the apparatus for opening the top flapsof the carton, with the top flap opening arms in folded position.

Figure 15 is an elevational view of the valve initiating the cycle ofoperation of the machine illustrating the valve actuating member innormal position.

Figure 16 is a view similar to Figure 15 illustrating the valveactuating member shifted by manual operation.

Figure 17 is a side elevational view of the fluid operated mechanism foractuating the carton supply feed.

Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the conduit system associated withthe glue applying mechanism.

Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the fluid actuating elements andsystem; for operating themachine. 1

Figures 20 to .25 inclusive are a series of perspective views of thecarton and contiguous parts of the apparatus illustrating the operationsper.- formed successively on the cartons from the supply to the cartonfilling station.

The apparatus consists of a base structure in the form of a rectangularbox having side members 30 and end members 3|, and a plurality ofuprights 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 31, 38, 39, 40, extending upwardly from thebase members 30, 3|.

Means is provided for supporting a supply of flat collapsed cartons atthe left end of the machine, Figures 1 and 3. A pair of cartonsupporting rails 4| extending rearwardly and are inclined upwardly fromthe base of the machine.

The outer ends of the rails 4| are supported on legs 42. The cartonsdescend on the rails 5| to a stop plate 44, the upper portion of thecartons engaging a rail 45 extending lengthwise of the machine.

The cartons C are urged downwardly on the supporting rails 4| by a plate4 6 extending vertically upwardly from a cross member 41, the ends ofwhich are secured tov bars 48 which, in turn, have secured to their endsbars 49 extending transversely between the supporting rails 4|, andbeing slidably mounted thereon, see Figure 3. The bars 48 also havemembers 50 similar to the members 49 engaging the, under side of thesupporting rails 4|. A bar 5| is positioned intermediate the rails 4|,and the upper edge portion of this notches 52. The upper end of the bar5| is slidably mounted in a cross member extending between the uprightsE2. The lower end of the bar is secured to-a piston rod 53 provided witha piston at each end slidably mounted in cylinders 54,v 55, which arefixedly secured to the frame of the machine, see Figures 5-17.Periodically and alternately, the cylinders 54, 55, are supplied withfluid under pressure to effect lengthwise reciprocation of the bar 5|. Afinger 51 is pivotally mounted at one end to the plate 45, the oppositeend being adapted to enter the notches 52 of. the bar 5|. To effect suchengagement with certainty, the finger is provided with a weight 58.

With. this arrangement, the plate 46 is moved downwardly by incrementsequivalent to the spacing between the notches 52 or, in other words, thereciprocation of the bar 5| maintains a feed pressure. on the supply ofcartons so there is always one positioned against the stop bars 44, 45.

The cartons are arranged in flat collapsed form. It will be understoodthat these cartons are of conventional construction including a bodyportionhaving' side wall panels 60, El, 62. 63'. Each of these panelshas a continuation in the form of a top end closure flap, these flapsbeing designated 64, 65, 66 and 61., respectively. Likewise, the sidepanels have depending flaps designated 58, 69, H1 and 1|, respectively.As the cartons are positioned upon the supporting rails 4|, the top andbottom end flaps extend vertically. The cartons are successivelyadvanced to the right, Figures 1 and 3, from the carton supply to afilling station, indicated at F, Figure 1, this station beingimmediately above a. carton supporting pedestal 12.

The cartons are selected and advanced ashort distance forward from thesupply by a carton selecting mechanism. This mechanism consists of anangle plate 13 having one side arranged to engage the side panel =6| ofthe cartons. The rear' edge of this side of the plate is curved, orformed with a hook to hook about the rear edge of thecarton. The otherside or leg of the angle plate is secured to a piston rod having apiston slidably mounted in a cylinder is secured to brackets 15, 16,depending from the rail 45. When fluid under pressure is supplied to theleft end of the cylinder Figure. 1, the plate 13 moves to the right,moving the carton engaged by the plate a short distance to the right, asillustrated by dotted outline Figure 1 and in Figure 20. The carton inthis position is engaged by an arm H pivotally mounted adjacent one endto a slide 18; as at 19. The end of thearm 11, adjacent the pivot 19, isprovided with a roller arranged in-a groove formed in the under side ofa cam track 86 extending from the depending member bar is provided witha series of v 16 to a depending member 8|, and terminating in a shortlaterally or outwardly extending portion 82.

The slide 18 is mounted upon a pair of spaced apart guide rails 84extending the major portion of the length of the machine, the forwardrail being supported by a plurality of horizontally extending plates 85extending inwardly from the uprights 32, 35, 31, 39. The inner railatthe left end of the machine is secured to a transversely extendingmember 66, and at the right end of the machine it is secured to theouter rail 84. The slide 18 is provided with a plurality of rods 8'!positioned in the space between the guide rails 84 and provided at theirlower ends with nuts 88.

Theslide 18 extends rearwardly from the pivot l9, and is provided with acam member for actuating valves for controlling the adhesive applyingmechanism. The rear end of the cam member is inclined downwardly, as at9|, and the forward end is shaped with an upwardly curved cam surface32, see Figures 11 and 12. The opposite end of the slide 18 is connectedto apiston rod 93' having a piston slidably mounted in cylinder 94secured inthe, frame of the machine. The connection between the pistonrod and slide being efiected through a transversely extending arm 95.The cylinder 94 isof substantial length to effect movement of the slide,l8to the left Figure 1, until the forward: end 92 of the actuatingelement moves to the left of the valve control lever 98. When the slideis movedv to the left from the position shown in Figures 1 and, 3,,theinitial part of this movement effects rotation of the lever 11 about itspivot 19 ina counterclock- Wise direction, with the leverassuming aposition parallel with; the slide. This movement of the lever iseffected by the curved end portion tzof'the cam. bar 80:, as will beapparent, and because the remaining portionof the cam bar is straightand parallel withthe guide rails 85, the lever will move in parallelvrelation. tothe guide rails. The face of the lever is. provided with aplate 99 of substantial width, it being formed on its free end with a.hook portion I00 which moves over and in engagement with the rear edgeof the carton in the samemanner as the hook portion of the plate 13 ofthe carton selector mechanism. When the plate 99 has thus engagedtherear edge of the carton-, forward movement of the slide effects forwardmovement of the carton in its edgewise position, However, prior to suchforward movement, the top end flap 54 isfolded downwardlyfrom verticalto horizontal position.

As indicated in the drawings, the top flap 64 is the leading flap on thefront side of the collapsed carton. This flap is engaged by a finger I02depending from one end of. a rod ms mounted in. the upper end of a shaftH34 journalled vertically in a bracket I05 secured to a plate. H36extending inwardly from the upright 35. The inner end of the rod and thefinger are urged inwardly by a tension spring i6? secured to the outerend of the'rod and the upright 35, see Figure-G; The lower end of theshaft :54 is providedwith'an arm H38 connected to a link me, the

opposite end being connected to a link llii'. The

link H0 ispivotally connected at one end toan arm Ill, and is pivotallyconnected to a similar arm H2, as at H3, thepivot point H3 being inproximity to the pivotal connection between the links W9 and. H6, seeFigures 3 and 14. The arm H1 is secured at. one end to a shaft H14iournalled; vertically in: the frame on a. transversely extending memberI I5 and a plate II 6 extending inwardly from a plate III extendingbetween th uprights 35, 31. The arm 2 is pivotally mounted, as at H8, toa plate II9 extending inwardly from the plate I ll. These arms III, II2, are movable from the position shown in Figure 14 to the positionshown in Figure 3 to fold the top flaps 65-61 outwardly, as shown inFigure 24.

The shaft II4 has an arm I having a roller I2I engaged by a cam plateI22. The cam plate I22 is secured adjacent the forward end of the slide18. The arrangement is such that when the slide -I8 approaches theforward end of its stroke, the cam plate I22 engages the roller I2I andeffects oscillation of the shaft H4 in a clockwise direction, Figure 3,moving the arm I I I inwardly over the filling station and through theconnecting link IIIJ, effecting a counter-clockwise movement of the armII2. During the advancement of the carton in edgewise or verticalposition, the leading edge of the carton is in engagement with a springpressed stop member I23- extending inwardly from the slide 18.

This movement of the arms III, H2, is effected during a short forwardmovement of the slide I8, and the roller on the arm I! enters thelaterally extending portion 82 of the groove in the cam bar 80. Thiscauses the arm TI to rotate in a clockwise direction about its pivot I9to taneously with the swinging movement of the r arms III, H2, and theexpansion being aided by outward movement of the arms III, IIZ. Theselatter arms are positioned above the top of the carton body and engageflaps 65, 61, on opposite ends of the carton, folding these flapsoutwardly into horizontal position, as illustrated in Figure 24, aspreviously stated.

The stop I23 yieldingly engages and is held against the leading edge ofthe collapsed carton by a torsion spring I24. The stop is movedperpendicular to the slide during the expansion of the carton, as shownin Figures 3 and 14. Upon rearward movement of the slide, the stopmember is moved in a clockwise direction parallel to the slide by thefilled carton, as shown in dotted lines, Figure 14. This stop aids inkeeping the rear edge of the collapsed carton in the hook portion I00 ofplate 99.

As soon as the carton is arranged in expanded tubular form with theflaps 64, 65, 67, folded horizontally, flaps 69, I I, are foldedupwardly by cam members I carried by hubs I3I fixedly secured to thecentral portion of the shafts I32 journalled transversely in the frameof the machine below the filling station. These members are positioned,as shown in Figure 13, as the carton is advanced toward the fillingstation. The shafts I32 are rotated approximately 90, causin the cammembers I30 to move to the position shown in Figur 1. During thismovement, the cams I30 engage the flaps 69, II, centrally and fold themupwardly, see Figure 25.

One of the shafts I32 has secured to it hub members I33, each of whichcarries an arcuate shaped rod I35, these rods also inclinin inwardlyfrom the hubs I33 to the outer end portion of the rods. These rods I35serve as cam actuating members to move side flap engaging members I36.The members I 36 for lightness are also formed of rod material, eachmember being of general U- formation and having the ends of the legportion of the U-formation pivoted on brackets I3'I secured to the underside of the guide rails 84 on the front side of the machine and asupporting bracket I38 on the rear side of the machine: The centralportion of the folding members I36 is offset as at I39 to clear thesides of the pedestal I2. The pedestal is also provided with slots I40extending inwardly from each end edge to accommodate the folding camsI30, see Figures. 3 and 14.

When .the collapsed carton approaches the filling station, the foldingmembers I36 hang downwardly. The actuating members I35 are so positionedon the shaft I 32 relative to the folding cams I30 that the members I35engage the folding members I36 after the members I 30' have folded theflaps 69, II, upwardly in nearly horizontal position. Thereupon, themembers I35 swing the members I36 upwardly, see Figure 6, to fold theside flaps 68, 10, upwardly, and this mechanism supports the expandedcarton while the operator fills the same. The arrangement is such thatthe flaps 68-10 are pressed against the flaps 69-'II, but are spacedtherefrom, as shown in Figure 6. This permits the air within the cartonto escape when the operator inserts the first layer of packages in thecarton. This also permits the adhesive to penetrate the flaps during thedwell of the carton at the filling station, and. before the flaps arepressure sealed. This effects a much stronger bonding of the flaps.

The shafts I32 are rotated or oscillated by a rack I4I engaging pinionsI42 secured to the shafts I32. The rack MI is secured to a piston rodI43 having a piston slidably mounted inthe cylinder I45 secured to theframe of the machine. When the piston moves downwardly, Figure 1, theshafts I 32 are rotated to effect folding of the bottom flaps of thecarton. Fluid is supplied to the cylinder I45 through a multiport valveI46 having an inlet port connected to a conduit I41, an exhaust port I48and discharge ports connected to conduits I49, I50. The valve isoperated by actuating members I 5|, I52, secured to the slide 18. Whenthe slide 18 reaches the end of its forward stroke, positioning thecarton at the filling station, as previously described, the element I5Iengages a projection I53 extending from the movable element of the valveI46, effecting movement thereof in a counter-clockwise direction,Figure 1. In this position, the conduit I50 is connected to the conduitI 41 which, in turn, is connected to the main supply header I54. Theconduit I50 is connected to the upper end of the cylinder I45, throughconduits I55, I56. This causes the rack I4I to move downwardly and toeffect folding of the bottom flaps, as previously described.

After the operator has placed the contents into the carton, she movesone of the arms II I, II2, further outwardly, effecting furtherclockwise rotation of the shaft II4. This shaft has secured to it,adjacent the lower end thereof, an arm I51 to which is pivotallyconnected a rod I58 slidably extending through an actuating member I59of a valve I60, see Figures 15 and 16. The under side of the portion ofthe rod I58, extending through the member I59, has aflixed thereto a keyIBI. Further clockwise rotation of the shaft I I4, causes the rod I58 toslide through the member I 59 until the inner end of the key IGI engagesthe member I 59, as illustrated in Figure 16. The operator then releasesthe top folding lever,

and these levers are swung inwardly under the tension of: spring I62: totheir-normal outfolsicd position effecting: counter-clockwise rotationoi the shaftzIIA', and effecting movement; oi. the valve. actuatingmember I59 to thedotted D si.- tion I63, Figure, 16.. The valve I66; is.connected to. the fluid supply I54 by conduit 54, andjisproe vided withan exhaust port. I65 and outlet;- ports connected. to conduits-I66, I61.Vllith the actuating-member- 159. moved into, thepositioirz I63,the.-supply I64. is connected, to the: conduitJB-I and to a branchconduit I68 leading to the bottom of. a cylinder I69, on the piston rodof'which the pedestal I2: is mounted. This causes: the pedestal to be'elevated into engagement. with. the bottom of. the carton whichheretoforev has. been supported by the members I35, I36. The conduit I61extends to the forward end of the: cylinder 94; and fluid pressure thusapplied. causes the-slide Hi to. move rearwardly. During the initialpart ofv this rearward movement of the slide, the lever IT and the plate39 carried thereby are: swung about thepivot 19 to a position parallelwith the slide.- This is efiected by the roller on the outer end of thelever 11 cooperating with the out-.- wardly curved portion 82 of. thecam track 86. During the remainder of the rearward. movement of theslide, the lever I'I maintains this parallel position and the rearmovement is, sufficient to place the hook portion'IIlIl over the rearedgeof the carton which has beenselected and initially advanced by theplatel3..

When the. slide I8 completes its rearward stroke, the projection I52engages the member I53 or the valve I46, eifecting. rotation of themovable element of the valve in a clockwise direction, Figure 14, whichresults in connecting thesupply conduit I4! with. conduit I49 whichestablishes pressure in the lower end of the .cyline der I452and. in thelower end of a cylinder I16, and connecting conduit I50 to theexhaustport 1'48, which exhausts fluidfromthe upper ends of the,cylinders I45, I'HLthrough conduits I55, I56. Thiscondition effectsupward movement of the raclc I411, returning the bottom flap folders436,I35, to normal position. The, rack I4I carries an actuating member I'IIengaging member I1 2 dc:- pending from the valve I60. shifting the;movable element Of this valve to connect the. conduit .I6I tothe exhaustport I65, exhausting fluid through the rear endof cylinders 94 and I59),and permitting the pedestal I2 with the filled. carton thereonto-descend and be positioned uponrollers I113 journalledon the; shaftsI3 2,, these rollers be.- ing arrangedin alinement withbars; or. railsI14 mountedbetween the uprights 31, 38,35,40, and extending. to theright end of the machine;

' This operation of valve Hi also connects. the supply conduit I64 tothe conduit IBB admitting fluid pressure to the rear end of the cylinder94,, efiecting forward movement of the'slide Ia-and of the collapsedcarton engaged by theplate 59; this further. movement being eflected toadvance, the carton. to the filling station, whereupon it is ex:-panded. to tubular form by clockwise movement or the. arm I1, and thebottom flap .fol,ded -up-.-

.wardly, and the flaps 65,61, foldedoutwardly; as

previouslydescribed.

During the: advancement of the flat cartons, one of the top. flaps, asthe flap; 64;'1Sf moved outwardly into horizontal position, as shown-inFigurew 22,,and serves to properly guide thecarton in itsfor-wardadvancement. Also cilllillgfthfihdlvancement of the flat cartons,certain selected ones, of. the top. and bottom flaps, are coated withadhesive... When the. outfolding arms-JIM, I12,

d are folded; inward1y,; as. hown. in F ure 4,: the shaftIM is rotated,causing the flag [62; teen-- gagetheupnerfla 61, moving; the same and thadj acentfiapt toutwardly about their score, lines, asshownin Figure 26.This infoldingof" the arms-I I I, I'I;2,, occurs concurrently with therear movement 0ftheslide18, as described above and, whenthe slidereaches the end of its rearward travel, actuation of the valve I46 bythe member-- I52 connects the supply conduit I41 to the conduit I8.0,.supplying fluidunder pressure to the rightvhand end'oithe-cylinderI4, Figure l. eflects'return movement of the-selector plate I3.Thisplate has-secured to; it; a forwardly extendingrod I8I slidably'mounted in the brackets I5,

I56, and. having. secured to its free end an apertured plate I82receiving the lower end of a rod I-8;3..piv0ted.as at; I84 to a memberI65 extending upwardly from the; plate 45. The upper portion of the rod.I83 is bent. at right angles to provide a; forwardly extending portionI86, the end of which is bent outwardly, as indicated at I61.

Withthet-flaps 64,. 6,1, bent outwardly, as shown in Figure 20, thereturn movement of the plate 13; causesv movement in a clockwisedirection of the rod I83,.Figure- 1, about its pivot, moving the endportion I8! downwardly, The portion. I86 of the rod is provided with a.depending finger l:8 8 arranged to en age the rear portion of the flap64. Inasmuch as theycartons are of rectangular formation and being; ofless dimension on opposite sides than on the other opposite sides, the.flaps 65,, 61., are somewhat shorterthan the flaps. 64,- 66. Or, inother words, the outer flap 64; when the cartonis in the collapsedcondition, extends rearwardly" beyond the flap 6'1, and the finger #88is locatedto-engage this rear portion of the flap 64.. With thisarrangement, oscillation of the rod I83 .efiects outward foldingmovement of the flap 5.4,,the finger I83 initiating this movement toseparate the flap 64 from the flap 6?, and the movement is, completed bythe portion I815 engaging the flap 64 and folding it into horizontalposition, as shown in Figure 22;.

As; previously; stated, at this time the valve I66 has been actuated tosupply pressure to the rear end of the cylinder; causing the slide '13to move forward.- This. forward movement of the collapsedcartonpositions the outiolded flap 64 be:-

tween; apair of guide rods I95, and a series of rollers IQI journalledbelow the guide rods, see Figure 6;, The rollers I9l' are arrangedintermediate the guide rods and the arrangement; is such that. thecenter portion of the flap 64- isbowed slightly upwardly, whereby theflap 64 is kept under control and guided during its forward movementvand accordingly, the carton is likewise guided. It isto be'rememberedthat during this forward movement of the collapsed carton, all of theother flaps, both top and bottom, are extending in. vertical relation.These flaps are passed between adhesive applicators I32,;I93, I94,19.5,;Figure-18, the; applicators {92, 193, being arranged in spacedrelation to receive the top flaps 65, 66,61, and they bottompair ofapplicators I94, I95, being arranged to receivethe bottom flaps 68, 69,II! and II.v These applicators operate to coat the flaps 65. 61, and theflaps 69, I I, with adhesive during-the forward advance- -ment ofthecollapsed carton.

The adhesiveapplicators are all of identical construction, the. detailstructure of these applicatorsbeingdisclosedinFigures '7, 8, and 9. Eachapplicator consists ofa tube I98 formed of relatively soft resilientmaterial, such as rubber,

positioned in a tube of relatively rigid resilient material, such asspring brass, or the like, The outer tube I99 is formed with a slit 280extending the entire length of the tube I99. The inner tube I98 isformed with a slit 20! arranged in register with the slit 209, butterminating short of the ends thereof, see Figure 8. The end of theinner tube is closed as by a plug member 209. This assembly is mountedupon rods 204 slidably mounted in brackets 285 secured to the frame ofthe apparatus. The applicators are arranged in pairs with the slits 200,Ml ,of the applicators in confronting relation, and the applicators areyieldingly urged toward each other by compression springs 206 mountedbetween the applicators and the adjacent bracket 295, see Figure 6.

The tubes I98 are connected to conduits 201 which, in turn, areconnected to an adhesive sup ply reservoir 298 through check valves 209.The conduits 201 are formed with branch conduits 2I0, 2 I I, connectedto the main fluid supply I54, through valves 2 I 2, 2 I 3, these branchcircuits 2 I 0, 2, being connected intermediate the check valves 209 andthe tubes I98.

Normally, the slits 20I are closed due to the resiliency of the tube I98and the outer reinforcing tube I99, the function of which is to lendrigidity to the applicator and maintain it in cylindrical form. Also,the resiliency of the outer metal tube functions to more quickly andcompletely close the slit in the inner tube upon the cessation ofpressure on the adhesive within the tube. Spring members 2I5 may beadded to increase the radial expansive resistance of the outer tube. Thearrangement is such that when pressure is applied to the tubes I98,through the valves 2I2, 2I3, the inner and outer tubes expand radiallyto open the slits 200, 20I, to permit the adhesive to flow, or exude,through the slits and onto the end flaps contacted by the applicators.With this arrangement, the amount of adhesive applied can be accuratelycontrolled by the pressure applied through the valves 2I2, 2I3 Thesupply pipe I54 is provided with a regulating valve 2I6 by which thepressure supplied to the valves 2I2, 2I3, can be regularly andconveniently regulated within close limits.

It will be observed, referring to Figure 18, that insofar as theconnection to the adhesive supply 208 is concerned, the applicators I92,I94, are connected in pairs and similarly, the applicators I93, I95, areconnected in pairs. It will be also observed that the applicators I93,I95, are controlled by the valve 2I2, while the applicators I92, I94,are controlled by the valve 2I3. The reason for this arrangement is toeffect the application of the adhesive to only selected ones of the endflaps. As the flat cartons are advanced, the flaps 64, 61, arepositioned forwardly of the flaps 65, 66, and as to the bottom flaps,the flaps 68, H, are positioned forwardly of the flaps 69, 10. Insealing cartons, it is conventional practice to apply adhesive to theouter surface of flaps on the opposite sides of the cartons, these flapsbeing the ones that are folded in first, so that the adhesive isaccordingly present to secure down the flaps on the opposite side whichare folded in subsequently.

Attention was previously called to the fact that the slide 18 hassecured to the rear portion thereof an actuating member 90 whichfunctions on the forward movement of the slide to operate the valves2I2, 2I3 and, inasmuch as these valves are spaced apart, they areoperated successively. The valve 2I2 is first actuated to open position,

supplying pressure on the adhesive that has flowed into the tubes I98associated with'the applicators I93, I95. When the valve 2 I2 is thusopened, the leading edge of the flaps 61, II, are in juxtaposition tothe slits 200, MI, in these applicators. Accordingly, the adhesive beingforced out through the slits in these applicators is applied to theouter surface of those flaps. As the slide and the carton advanceforwardly, the actuator moves out of engagement with the valve 2 I2 andinto engagement with the valve 2I3. When the valve 2I2 is closed,cutting off the pressure on the applicators I93, I95, the outer metallictube 200 contracts, closing the slit 200 and effecting a contraction ofthe inner tube I98, closing the slit 20I therein, thus quickly andcompletely cutting off the exudation of adhesive, so that no adhesive isapplied to the top and bottom flaps 66, 10, on the rear side of thecarton. However, the valve 2| 3 is now opened, causing the applicationsI 92, I94, to function, effecting the application of adhesive on theflaps 65, 69. The lower flap 65, not having any adhesive applied theretobecause at the time it was in juxtaposition to the applicator I94, thevalve 2I3 was closed.

It will be apparent that the adhesive applying mechanism described isoperable to apply adhesive to certain selected ones of the bottom andtop flaps of the carton. When the carton has been advanced to thefilling station and has been expanded into tubular form, and the bottomflaps folded upwardly by the members I30, I35, these bottom flaps arenot folded into tight engagement but only in proximity to each other, asshown in Figure 6. Accordingly, the bottom structure of the carton isnot tight, and this permits the escape of air as the operator completesthe pacl ing of the first layer of packages in the carton. When thecarton has been filled and lowered by the pedestal 12, it is advancedforwardly on rails I14. The cartons are advanced by a member 22Ipivotally mounted at 222 to the slide 18. The member 22I extendsinwardly from the slide and is yieldingly held against a stop 223 by atension spring 224, see Figure 3. As the slide moves rearwardly, themember 22I engages the filled carton and swings about its pivot to aposition parallel with the slide until it has cleared the carton on thepedestal 12, whereupon it reassumes a transversely extending portionunder the infiuence of the spring 224. Upon forward movement of theslide, the member engages the rear side of the carton and propels italong the rails I14. The weight of the filled carton on the rails I14compresses the bottom flaps into tight engagement and causes the flapsto be effectively sealed by the adhesive previously applied and whichhas had an opportunity to penetrate into the flaps while the carton wassupported by the following members I35, I36, at the filling station. Thefilled carton is advanced to the position indicated by dotted outline inthe left portion of Figure 2, at which time it is positioned belowpresser plates 225 carried by a member 226 connected to piston rod 221associated with a piston arranged in the cylinder I10. During theforward movement of the carton, air is supplied to the lower end of thecylinder I10, through branch conduit 228, see Figure 19, moving thepresser plates 225 upwardly to allow the carton to be advancedunderneath these members. The carton remains in this position while thenext succeedmg carton is being filled at the filling station and, duringthis period, air is admitted to the '11 top of the cylinder [10, throughpipe 155 and exhausted through the lower end of the cylinder through thevalve I46, whereupon the presser plates are moved downwardly on the topflaps and exert a proper sealing pressure thereon.

During the next forward movement of the slide 18, the carton is engagedby the next preceding carton being moved from the filling station, andis advanced to the position shown in dotted outline at the right ofFigure 2. At this station, the top flaps are moved into engagement with--an elongated presser pad 230 connected to the plate 226 by a bracket23 l, the rear end of which is yieldingly urged downwardly by acompression spring 232. The plate 230 functions to continue tions on thepart of the operator in picking up the collapsed cartons, expanding themto tubular form, applying adhesive, and holding the carton in positionwhile placing the contents therein.

The adhesive is applied to the selected flaps in the precise amountneeded to make the most effective sealing bond. The structure of theapparatus functions to apply adhesive uniformly to the surface of theflaps. The outer tube or sleeve 199 functions to maintain the slits29%], 2!, of

uniform width throughout their length and accordingly, a uniform film ofadhesive is exuded upon the flaps. The adhesive is applied evenly anduniformly regardless of the condition of the surface of the flaps, theamount of adhesive applied of any viscosit being accurately determined*by the amount of air pressure applied to the adhesive supply conduitsthrough the regulating valve 215. It will be apparent that theapplication of adhesive is uniform regardless of any irregularities inthe surface of the flaps which is not the case when the adhesive isapplied by means of rollers or the like. Due to the fact that theadhesive is properly coated on the flaps, and due to the arrangement bywhich this coating-is allowed to penetrate the flaps previous to theapplication of pressure on the flaps, less time and less pressure irequired to effect, the sealing operation. This results in the over alllength of the machine being materially reduced inasmuch as this sealingis completed during the filling of two cartons.

The presser plates for exerting the pressure sealing are advantageous inthat the pressure is applied continuously while the carton remainsat-rest. This is a distinct advantage over the previous roller-belt typeof compression units wherein the pressure is applied on the flapsintermittently, causing the carton to act as an air pump andcontinuously breaking the seals between the fiaps, not permitting theproper setting or crystallizing of the adhesive.

What I claim is:

1. A carton handling apparatus comprising a frame, means for supportinga supply of flat collapsed cartons with the top and bottom end flapsextending vertically, means operable to advance said cartonssuccessively from said supply to .a

carton filling station, adhesive applying means operable to applyadhesive to selected ones of said top and bottom flaps during suchadvancement of the collapsed cartons, expanding means cooperable withsaid advancing means to expand the cartons at said filling station totubular form, folding means operable at said filling station 'to foldthe bottom flaps upwardly to nearly closed position,'and meanspositioned at said filling station and operable to fold top flaps onopposite sides of the expanded carton outwardly to a horizontal openposition.

2. A carton handling apparatus comprising a frame, mean for supporting asupply of flat-collapsed cartons with the top and bottom end flapsextending vertically, means operable to advance said cartonssuccessively from said supply to'a carton filling station, adhesiveapplying means operable to apply adhesive to selected ones of said topand bottom flaps during such advancement-of the collapsed cartons,expanding means cooperable with said advancing means to expand thecartons at said filling station to tubular for-m, means arranged at saidfilling station and operable to fold top flaps on opposite sides of theexpanded carton outwardly to horizontal open position, and folding meansoperable to fold the bottom flap upwardly to nearly closed position andsupporting the carton with the bottom flaps out of sealing engagementduring the filling operation.

3. A carton handling apparatus comprising a frame, means for supportinga supply of cartons in flat collapsed condition with the top and bottomend flaps extending vertically, carton selecting means operable tosuccessively select cartons from said supply and advance the same to aflap folding station, flap folding means operable at said station tofold one top end flap from vertical to horizontal position, cartonadvancing means operable to advance the collapsed cartons from said flapfolding station to a filling station, adhesive applying means operableto apply adhesive to selected ones of said vertical top and bottom flapsduring the advance of the collapsed cartons, said carton advancingmeansbeing operable as the carton is positioned at said filling station'to expand the collapsed carton .to tubular form, bottom flap foldingmeans operable at said filling station to fold the bottom flaps upwardlyto nearly closed position, and means positioned at said filling stationand operable to fold top flaps on opposite sides of the expanded cartonoutwardly to horizontal position.

4. A carton handling apparatus comprising means for supporting a cartonin flat collapsed condition, an adhesive applicator arranged injuxtaposition to said carton, 'said'applicatorcomprising a tubularmember extending parallel to the surface of the carton formed ofresilient material and having an elongated slit in the side wallconfronting the carton, means yieldingly restraining said-memberfrom'radial expansion, one end of said member being closed, and theopposite end being connected to a supply of adhesive, means operable toapply pressure to the adhesive and eifect radial expansion of saidtubular member to open said slit for exudation of the adhesive, andmeans operable to effect relative movement between the carton and saidmember during such expansion.

5. A carton handling apparatus comprising a frame, means for supportinga supply of flat collapsed cartons on edge with the top and bottom endflaps extending vertically, flap folding means operable to fold one topend flap from vertical to horizontal position, carton advancing meansoperable to advance said cartons in said fiat folded condition, cartonguide means operable to support said cartons during such advancement bysaid horizontally folded flap, said advancing means having a membermovable transversely of the path of the advancing cartons and beingoperable to expand the flat folded carton to tubular form.

6. A carton handling apparatus comprising a carton supporting meansoperable to support a flat collapsed carton in vertical edgewiseposition by one of its top end flaps only, a carton expanding memberengaging only the exterior surface of the carton and operable to expandthe flat collapsed carton to tubular form while held by said supportingmeans, and flap folding means operable to fold the bottom flaps inwardlyto closed position.

7. A carton handling apparatus comprising means for supporting a flatcollapsed carton in vertical edgewise position by one of its top endflaps only, carton expanding means engaging only the exterior surface ofthe carton and operable to expand the flat collapsed carton to tubularform While held by said supporting means, and flap folding meanscooperable to fold certain of said other top flaps outwardly.

8. An apparatus for handling cartons comprising means for supporting aflat collapsed carton in vertical edgewise position by one of its topflaps only, expanding means operable to expand the flat collapsed cartonto expanded tubular form, bottom flap folding members operable to foldthe bottom flaps inwardly to closed position, and top flap folding meansoperable to fold certain of said other top flaps outwardly to horizontalposition.

9. An applicator for applying adhesive to a plane surface comprising atubular member closed at one end and having its opposite end connectedto a supply of adhesive, said tube being formed with a normally closedelongated slit extending through the side Wall of the tube, said tubebeing radially expansible upon pressure applied to the adhesive Withinthe tube to open said slit to permit exudation of the adhesive, andmeans operable to apply a predetermined pres sure on the adhesive Withinthe tube.

10. An applicator for applying adhesive to plane surfaces comprising atubular member closed at one end and having its opposite end connectedto a supply of adhesive, said tubular member being formed with anaxially extending slit, an outer reinforcing tube encircling saidtubular member and being formed with an axially extending slit arrangedin register with the slit in said tubular member, said outer reinforcingtube being cooperable to maintain said inner tubular member incylindrical form and to maintain the slot therein closed, said tubularmembers being radially expansible on application of pressure on theadhesive to open said slits to permit exudation of the adhesive, andmeans operable to apply pressure on the adhesive within the innertubular member.

11. An applicator for applying adhesive to cartons and the likecomprising an inner tubular member formed of resilient material andhaving a normally closed axially extending slit in the side wall of thetube, said tube being closed at one end and the opposite end beingconnected to a supply of adhesive, said tube being expansible to opensaid slit to permit exudation of said ad- 14 hesive; and meanscooperable to maintain said slit of uniform width when open.

12. An applicator for applying adhesive to cartons and the likecomprising an inner tubular member formed of resilient material andhaving an axially extending slit in the side wall of i the tube, saidtube being closed at one end and the opposite end being connected to asupply of adhesive, an outer sleeve encircling said inner tube andhaving a slit arranged in register with the slit in said inner tube, andsaid tube and sleeve being uniformly expandible throughout the length ofsaid'slits upon the application of pressure on the adhesive in the innertube.

13. A carton handling apparatus comprising a frame, a guideway, meansfor supporting a supply of fiat collapsed cartons at one end of saidguideway, a slide member, means operable to effect reciprocation of saidmember along said guideway, carton engaging members mounted on saidslide member and being spaced apart for engagement with opposite edgesof the collapsed carton, one of said carton engaging members beingmounted on said slide for pivotal movement and being normally positionedparallel to the slide and being operable upon pivotal movement to expanda fiat collapsed carton to tubular form, and means operable upon theadvancement of each carton to effect pivotal movement'of said cartonengaging member.

14. Apparatus for handling flat collapsed cartons including a cartonadvancing slide, carton engaging members carried by said slide andarranged to engage opposite edges of the collapsed carton and maintainthe same in Vertical edgewise position during movement of the slide, andadhesive applying means operable to apply adhesive to selected areas ofthe collapsed carton during the advancement thereof.

15. Apparatus for handling flat collapsed cartons, each side wall ofwhich is formed with integral top and bottom end closure flaps, a flatfolding member operable to fold one end closure flap of the fiatcollapsed carton outwardly into horizontal position, carton advancingmeans operable to advance the flat collapsed carton while maintainingthe same in vertical position, and adhesive applying means operable toapply adhesive to selected ones of the remaining flaps of the cartonduring the advancement thereof.

16. Apparatus for handling cartons, each side Wall of which is providedwith a top and bottom end closure flap comprising means for supporting asupply of cartons in flat collapsed condi tion, a guideway, a fillingstation located along said guideway, carton advancing means operable tosuccessively advance flat collapsed cartons from a supply along saidguideway to said filling station, a plurality of adhesive applicatorsarranged in juxtaposition to said guideway and being operable to applyadhesive to selected ones of said top and bottom end closure flapsduring the advancement of said cartons.

17. Apparatus for handling cartons, each side wall of which is formedwith a top closure flap and a bottom closure flap comprising means forsupporting a supply of cartons in flat collapsed condition, a guideway,a filling station located along said guideway, carton advancing meansoperable to successively advance collapsed cartons from said supply tosaid filling station and being operable to expand the cartons intotubular form at said station, said advancing means being also operableto advance filled cartons from said filling station, a plurality ofadhesive apcartons.

ARTHUR C. SCI-IROEDER.

References Cited in the .file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTSNumber Name Date Converse Nov. 19, 1912 Milmoe Apr. f1, 1916 MacNaughtonMay 27, 1924 Delamere et a1. Feb. 17, 1925 Bergstein Feb. 21, 1928Herrman Feb. 19., 1929 Number Name Date Fay Jan. 3.1, 1933 Opper May 16,19:33 Rabe et 21. July 3, ,1934 Ledig Feb. 12, 1935 MacKenzie Feb. 2,Bergstei-n Nov. 2, 1937 Rose Oct. 25, 1938 Bishop Nov. 5, 19410 PernuJune 2, 1942 Ardell July 14, 1942 First et a1. May 4, 19 13 BurckhardtMar. 20, 1945 Knowlton Aug. 14, 1945 Levkofi Mar. 15, 1949

